Dike Eddleman: Illinois' maximum Athlete, written via Dike's daughter, Diana Eddleman Lenzi, is a heart-warming rendition of Dike's own lifestyles and athletic profession It starts together with his early life in Centralia, Illinois, strikes via his athletic achievements at Centralia highschool and the college of Illinois, and ends by means of describing his paintings with the combating Illini Scholarship Fund and a hard-won conflict with middle affliction.

Kipling, The Home Book of Verse, 1912). Ironically, this poem, which Eddleman can quote verbatim, became his creed. "If" made a lasting impression on Dike's life because it taught him that how a person lives may be as important as what he achieves. Although Eddleman and Trout had different reasons for participating in sports, both turned to athletics early. Trout's childhood was not easy because, within a year, he caught typhoid fever and diphtheria. After suffering these childhood diseases, he turned to athletics to strengthen his frail body.

As the events of my life are recounted, I can't help but remember those who taught me how to care for others, develop my talents and adopt unselfish commitments. To those who positively guided and influenced my life, I will be eternally grateful. Remembering the past has been a powerful experience. " My high school coach, Arthur L. Trout, impressed upon me the importance of team building. My success in athletics and in life was the result of the team spirit shared by fellow players, family, friends and fans.

It wasn't until his junior year in high school that Dike moved in with LaVonne and John. That year, the Lichtenfelds moved from their apartment on North Locust into a house on the west side of town. Dike was grateful to his half-sister and brother-in-law for allowing him to move in. He had his own room, which stayed cleaner than most because he was usually at school practicing or participating in a sport. Dike's room contained a desk, a chair, a dresser and a four-poster bed. On his dresser sat several pictures with inscriptions from some of Centralia's loveliest young ladies.